[OPRI Perspectives] The Importance of Maritime Transportation for Japan: Considering the Hormuz Strait Crisis and the Supply of Goods in a Potential Taiwan Contingency

The repercussions of the Hormuz Strait crisis, triggered by the armed attack by the United States and Israel on Iran, have been steadily expanding. In Japan, which depends on the Middle East for more than 90 percent of its crude oil, the disruption caused by the closure of the Strait has led to shortages in a wide range of products derived from crude oil. However, the lessons of this crisis extend beyond oil alone. When considering a potential future contingency involving Taiwan, the importance of securing maritime transportation routes for Japan—an island nation surrounded by seas—has been strongly reaffirmed. In light of this situation, it is necessary to comprehensively reassess sources and routes for procuring essential goods required for socio-economic activities and to strengthen resilience against potential crises.